Claiming the Future: An HIV-Free Generation

Today we stand at the brink of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.    We’re using HIV treatment to prevent transmission in discordant couples (where one is HIV positive and one is HIV negative).    Antiretroviral therapy deployed globally facilitates productive lives for those with HIV disease, providing a normal life span for those who are adherent.

The future looks better than it ever has related to eliminating HIV disease.

But one big challenge we still face is keeping the next generation HIV free.

We are preventing HIV infections at birth and in the early formative years, but the missing piece may well be prevention programs that will enable youth to get through adolescence and into adulthood HIV free.

Statistically, the African continent has the youngest demographics globally, with a number of nations boasting more than 50% of their population under age 15.   These wonderful young people are certainly the promise of the future.    Our goal must be to help them remain HIV free so they can realize the potential of healthy futures.

You can help make that happen through CAFI prevention programs for youth that focus on life skills, education and vocational training that will equip them to remain HIV free and make smart and healthy choices